Leo, age 5, was diagnosed with autism at three. He has been through all the clinical therapies, but his favorite is occupational therapy utilizing hippotherapy at The Shea Center. Leo is motivated to play and engage in activities on the horse that help him build his confidence, body awareness, and motor planning needed to complete fine motor skills for activities of daily living. He also enjoys feeding carrots and riding on the trail. At first, there was some anxiety about riding Boog (Amish Cart Pony), but that disappeared, and Leo soon graduated to riding a much larger horse, Braveheart (Gypsy Vanner).

Farina, Leo’s mom, says, “When Leo arrived at Shea, his sensory needs were his most significant hurdle, and he needed constant input. Now, relaxed on the horse, he is more in control and aware of himself, his posture is better, and he can accomplish more.” Today, Leo can climb on playground equipment, and he loves to swim.

After spending time in Shea’s summer horse camp last year, Leo began talking more and sharing about camp activities and his accomplishments.